of the Council of Safety, 1776. 163

Pennsylvania, Jersey &^c be pleased to explain how it has
happened that no more have as yet marched to their station in
that province.
By the southern post we have intelligence that the Cherookees
have committed some outrages on the borders of Carolina ;
that the squadron under Parker & Clinton are moving fre-
quently from Island to Island and are growing sickly — Yester-
day our election for this county began and is not yet ended,
we are sorry to inform you that Mess^rs Johnson & Paca and
Carroll of Car^ll from present appearances will not be elected.
Worthington, Carroll, Bar^r, Chase & R. Hammond are greatly
beyond any others on the Poll— very few people from Elkridge
or the lower part of the County have as yet attended.
2^d July 1776

C. S. C.

[Council to Dent.]
Brig^r Gen Dent

Sir.
At the time we wrote you first to take the command, Major
Price was on the Eastern shore, we know your attention must
be engaged with the Flying Camp; had he been here we
should not have troubled you at all, but sent the Major imme-
diately down to take the command. Upon his return and
understanding that the enemy were landing at S^t George's
Island and that Cannon would be necessary to repel them;
hearing also that some of the fleet were preparing to move
up the River; we came to the resolution of sending Maj^r Price
down to St. George's, expecting you might be usefully
employed higher up the river, and occasionally with the Flying
Camp, — these were the motives for sending major Price, &
not any intention. of giving you offence. — We tell you candidly
that we have no reason to believe that you were not equal to
the task, or that you were deficient either in military knowl-
edge, assiduity, or personal courage; and that we are surprised
you should entertain any such Idea.
We had never any insinuations to your Prejudice, therefore
there could be no foundation for appointing any hearing. We
thought it would be of advantage to the public cause to send
down Maj^r Price, the service was like to be extensive and a
commander wanted in more Places than one. We know you
must be called off soon to the Flying camp, and accordingly
wrote you the 28^th inclosing your Commss^rs & requesting to
see you; — we now repeat that request, & are convinced that
we are able by personal conference to satisfy you, that we
intended no affront or Indignity to you — unless you think the

Convention have acted improperly in adjusting the rank

between the regulars and the militia.

No. 108.